San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris is calling on residents to keep the city clean as the corporation pursues its tourism thrust.
At an interfaith service celebrating San Fernando’s 36th anniversary of city status, Parris shared plans for a revitalised city economy, now that the iconic San Fernando Hill is under the management of the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC).
“Do your part, and we will do ours in marketing San Fernando’s potential,” Parris said at St Paul’s Anglican Church yesterday. He explained that the SFCC and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, granting the corporation rights to explore economic activities at San Fernando Hill. It paves the way for the development of tourism-related businesses which Parris said will benefit local citizens and boost the city’s profile.
“We see potential for tourism sub-sectors to effectively market San Fernando as a hub for businesses that serve both visitors and residents.”
The SFCC is also co-ordinating with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, and the Ministry of Works and Transport to capitalise on the upcoming cruise ship season, which begins in November. He said cruise visitors arriving by water taxi will have guided tours of San Fernando’s notable sites, creating what he called “much-needed economic stimulation for the city.”
Parris addressed a recent debate about the suitability of the football field at the recently refurbished Skinner Park, which underwent a $131 million upgrade. He said that the facility is already being actively used by professional, semi-professional, and development football teams weekly. He also highlighted the council’s efforts to address long-standing challenges, including unauthorised vending around the High Street shopping district. While San Fernando Police and Municipal Police often chase or remove errant vendors, Parris said the SFCC will create designated economic zones throughout the city in a structured manner.
According to Parris, the council’s goal, in collaboration with San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi and San Fernando East MP Brian Manning, is to promote development across the city’s nine electoral districts. He boasted that each councillor oversaw projects aimed at improving the quality of life in their communities.
“San Fernando can proudly report that 95 per cent of all developmental contracts across the city have been completed.”
Parris said the SFCC also hosted two major sporting events, partnering with the Southern Games Committee on what he described as “San Fernando’s Olympics” for track, field, and cycling. The city also worked with the Southern Football League and the T&T Football Federation to launch the inaugural Mayor’s Cup.
During the service, Father Wayne Maughan encouraged the SFCC to use the city anniversary as a time for reflection on their work and to ensure they are meeting the needs of San Fernando’s citizenry.
Maughan commended the dedication of those serving in local government, noting that “the service of others is the highest calling to which one can dedicate one’s life.” He urged the city to consider its role in addressing global challenges that impact T&T’s economy, including issues of resource scarcity and population shifts.
“We must consider our response to global trends, such as growing migrant populations and their impact on our communities.”
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